Key appointment for the Barossa

The Barossa Grape & Wine Association (BGWA) has appointed James March as its new communications and promotions manager, effective from 3 May. James is currently executive officer – communications for the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation (AWBC) in Adelaide, where he has coordinated communications and public relations functions and helped deliver Wine Australia’s inaugural Landmark Australia Tutorial. In his new role James will manage and coordinate events such as Barossa Gourmet and Barossa at Home and develop communication strategies to increase the profile of the region as a leading producer of fine wines. James is returning to the Barossa, having grown up on his family’s vineyard property in Eden Valley. He has also worked as operations manager at Edinburgh Cellars and is the author of The Winemakers’ Essential Phrasebook . BGWA chair, Linda Bowes, said James was the ideal appointment. “James has a proven record of effective and innovative communication at a national level, significant networks in the domestic and international wine sector, and experience in many aspects of the wine trade,” she said. “We are delighted to welcome James and his young family back to the region and look forward to him making a significant contribution to growing the profile of the Barossa in our target markets.” James said he believed the Barossa has a tremendous opportunity to play a key role in improving the reputation and image of Australian wine both locally and abroad. “With broad consensus that the 2010 Barossa vintage is a year of very high quality it is an ideal time to join the region’s peak winemaking and grapegrowing body. I look forward to working with all of our stakeholders in promoting this world class region,” he said.